Ligularia is a handsome plant which is cultivated for its showy flower heads and in some cases, for its variegated foliage. This is another one of those swap plants which I couldn’t resist and have come to love.

One plant has huge kidney shaped leaves which remind me of pond lilies; the other has the same shaped leaves but they are half the size. Leaves are alternate and long stalked. The flower heads are arranged in racemes with the rays being yellow and strap shaped.

These plants are easy to grow in a cool, shaded, moist garden. I noted that even with plenty of moisture and shade that the plants appear to wilt when the temperatures climb into the high 80’s or above. They recover quickly in the late afternoon however.

Ligularia is truly a stunning plant whether it’s in bloom or not. Try one in a shaded spot in your garden; you won’t regret it.

Editor’s note: I love the impact of the dark purple foliage of the cultivar “Britt Marie Crawford.” Some gardeners cut off the yellow flowers when they appear so they don’t detract from those gorgeous leaves. Make sure to give this plant plenty of room because it’s kind of wide.